God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville, SC is one of those only-in-South-Carolina kind of places. This artesian spring has been flowing for generations; the water is completely free to take home, and the one-acre property is legally deeded to God. We’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your visit with the family, including what to bring, how long to stay, and where to stop for lunch on your way home.
Want to fill your own jugs with fresh spring water for free, just an hour from Columbia? God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville is one of South Carolina’s most unique roadside stops, and it makes for a simple, memorable family day trip.
We decided to take the drive out to Blackville on a Saturday, and honestly? The visit itself was simple, peaceful, and will be a great family memory. Even though it was somewhat busy when we went, we didn’t have to wait very long, and everyone we spoke to was friendly, too. Some people had traveled hours to come!
Quick Facts: God’s Acre Healing Springs
- Location: Springs Court, Blackville, SC 29817 (Barnwell County)
- Cost: Completely free
- Hours: Open Daylight Hours, 7 days a week
- Drive Time: About 1 hour from Columbia
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paved paths to the water source
- Restrooms: No public restrooms on site
- What to Bring: Empty jugs, water shoes, towel, cash for nearby vendors
Our Visit to God’s Acre Healing Springs
It was peaceful, even despite it being pretty busy when we went. Tucked beneath towering trees, the springs feel like a quiet escape from everything, and it’s hard to believe you’re only an hour outside of Columbia.
Our kids loved wading in the water and tasting the spring water! We brought a gallon jug but wished we had brought a few cups for us to try it right away. The water flows from several spigots, so filling up containers is easy. Just know that you’ll want to bring your own, because none are provided on site.
If you plan on wading in the water, you’ll have to walk on some small stones, and little ones especially may be more comfortable with water shoes. Bring a towel, Crocs, sandals, or water shoes for those with sensitive feet.
We probably didn’t stay there longer than it took us to drive there, so I would pair it with lunch at the nearby Healing Springs Country Store or even a stop in Cayce (which is where we passed through) on your way home for mini golf or perhaps Savage Craft Ale Works for some additional outdoor time!
A Place Steeped in History and Legend
God’s Acre Healing Springs is more than just a place to fill a water jug. This is one of the most historically fascinating spots in all of South Carolina.
Long before European settlers arrived, the Edisto people considered these springs sacred and believed the water had healing properties. One of the best-known local legends dates back to the Revolutionary War. In 1781, after a bloody battle nearby at Windy Hill Creek, four wounded British soldiers were left behind. Members of the local Native American tribe cared for them and encouraged them to drink from the spring. Months later, the soldiers reportedly returned to their regiment in Charleston fully recovered, helping cement the spring’s reputation as a place of healing.
Ownership of the springs passed through several hands over the years. A trader named Nathaniel Walker acquired the land from the Native Americans, and it eventually ended up with a local landowner named L.P. “Lute” Boylston. On July 21, 1944, Boylston did something remarkable: he legally deeded the one-acre property to “Almighty God,” ensuring it would remain open to the public and never be developed or operated for profit. Because of that unique deed, the property remains tax-exempt today.
Be sure to take your time to soak in the history and read the historical signage around you. There’s a historical marker and cross on the property that tell the full story, and it’s genuinely worth a few extra minutes.
Planning Your Visit
Visiting God’s Acre Healing Springs is easy and requires very little planning. The springs are open every day, the water is always free, and you don’t need any kind of reservation or appointment.
Water flows continuously from several spigots, making it easy to fill bottles, coolers, or large water jugs. Since containers aren’t provided, be sure to bring your own if you plan to take water home. We brought one gallon jug and wished we had brought more. If you forget yours, the Healing Springs Country Store sells empty jugs as well.
The property includes free parking, wheelchair-accessible paths, and picnic tables beneath mature trees. It’s located just behind Healing Springs Baptist Church on Springs Court in Blackville.
Weekends are busier than weekdays, so if you’re hoping for less of a crowd, avoid peak times. That said, even on a busy day, we didn’t have to wait long.
Nearby Stops to Round Out Your Day
Since the visit to the springs is on the shorter side, we’d recommend pairing it with a stop or two along the way. Here are a few ideas:
- Healing Springs Country Store: Just minutes away with sandwiches, beverages, and local goods. It’s a great stop to grab a bite for a picnic lunch at the springs or on your way back home.
- Cayce, SC: If you’re passing through on your way home, consider a stop for mini golf or outdoor dining.
- Savage Craft Ale Works: A family-friendly brewery in Cayce with a nice outdoor area for the kids to run around.
A few local vendors occasionally sell empty water jugs and handmade goods nearby, so bringing a little cash is a good idea if you’d like to support them.
Tips for Visiting God’s Acre Healing Springs with Kids
- Bring plenty of empty jugs if you plan to take water home. We brought one and wished we had more.
- Pack water shoes or Crocs. You can wade in the shallow stream, but the rocky bottom is more comfortable with shoes, especially for little ones.
- Bring a towel if you plan to cool off in the water.
- Bring a few cups so the whole family can taste the spring water right away.
- There are no public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
- Bring a little cash in case local vendors are set up nearby.
- Take time to read the historical markers with the kids. It’s a great learning moment!
Our Experience at God’s Acre Healing Springs
The visit itself was simple, peaceful, and will be a great family memory. We plan to bring more containers next time. God’s Acre Healing Springs is one of those places that’s just completely different from anything else you’ll find in South Carolina. There’s no admission fee, no gift shop, no agenda. Just land deeded to God and water that people keep coming back for, generation after generation.
Visitors are encouraged to help preserve this peaceful, historic site by keeping the grounds clean and treating the property with respect. It’s a special place, and it deserves to stay that way.
If you’re looking for a unique family outing that’s a little off the beaten path, God’s Acre Healing Springs is absolutely worth the drive.
Looking for more free things to do with the family near Columbia? Check out our guide to 10+ Completely Free Things to Do in Columbia, SC This Summer!
Love exploring SC’s great outdoors? Don’t miss our review of Dreher Island State Park: A Beautiful Family Day Trip on Lake Murray.
Frequently Asked Questions About God’s Acre Healing Springs
Is God’s Acre Healing Springs really free?
Yes, visiting God’s Acre Healing Springs is completely free. There is no admission charge, and the spring water is free to take home. Just bring your own containers.
Where is God’s Acre Healing Springs located?
God’s Acre Healing Springs is located on Springs Court in Blackville, SC 29817, in Barnwell County. It’s about an hour’s drive south of Columbia.
Can you swim in God’s Acre Healing Springs?
No, the water at the springs is not deep enough for swimming. However, you can wade in the shallow stream. Water shoes are recommended, especially for kids, as the bottom is rocky.
Why is the property deeded to God?
In 1944, local landowner L.P. “Lute” Boylston legally deeded the one-acre property to “Almighty God” to ensure the springs would remain open to the public and never be developed for profit. The deed is a real legal document and the property remains tax-exempt.
Is God’s Acre Healing Springs wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The springs are accessible via a paved sidewalk and ramp that leads directly to the water source, making it completely wheelchair accessible.
How long should I plan to spend at God’s Acre Healing Springs?
The visit itself is fairly quick. Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes to fill containers, wade in the water, and read the historical markers. We recommend pairing it with lunch at the nearby Healing Springs Country Store or a stop in Cayce on your way back to Columbia.
Find lots more Things to Do Outside near Columbia, SC